NAICU

May 23, 2017 -- Today the Trump Administration sent to Congress its FY2018 budget proposal, slashing $3.6 trillion in federal spending for entitlement and domestic discretionary programs, including $150 billion in federal student aid over 10 years. David L. Warren, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, issued the following statement on the budget proposal:

“The Trump Administration’s budget proposal announced today is an unprecedented raid on the federal student aid programs, shredding highly effective programs used by low- and middle-income students seeking to realize their share of the American dream through earning a college education. Reducing access to college for the next generation is both shortsighted and foolish.”

“Cuts to the federal student loan programs, both at inception as well as repayment, will drive up the cost of college for the very students who struggle today. Gutting the Federal-Work Study program, which rewards hard working students who seek employment opportunities while in school, removes a key source of income necessary to make ends meet for many students. Cutting the Perkins Loan and SEOG programs is
penny-wise and pound foolish, since both programs require colleges to have “skin in the game” by matching federal funding with institutional funds.”

“For more than 50 years, the federal government has partnered with students and their families to meet the costs of earning a college degree. This partnership has paid dividends over and over to the nation in the form of innovation, research breakthroughs, and economic growth. These investments have been critical to producing the quality of life Americans enjoy today. “

“We as a nation must continue to invest in our young people to ensure the nation remains a global economic leader. Investments in our human capital are critical to our future success. I call on Congress to reject the President’s budget to ensure student aid funding flows to students and empowering them to choose to attend the college that best fits their needs.”